Wednesday, September 2, 2009

i love you, you're perfect, now change...

First, credit goes to Joe DiPietro for coining such a wonderfully terrible sentiment.

I often feel like this is my life. Not because people actually say this to me, but simply because this is so much the culture that surrounds us. It becomes ingrained whether we are inclined to believe it or not. And for me, it tends to be a bit of a driving force.

It seems like every time I turn around, I hit a wall. Whatever progress I might make in a particular direction, I always come upon that sign that says, "Nope. Not good enough."

Okay, when is 'good enough' then? How do we get there? And what standards are we going by here, anyway? Should we not be striving for God's standards, rather than the standards of the world? Easier said than done, I know.

It's so easy to be consumed by what outside sources are feeding us, and it makes me so frustrated that I fall victim to it all time and again. Where does it stop?

"Be still, and know that I am God..." Psalm 46:10a

It's funny, that's not where I was planning on going here, necessarily, but it's so good. Step back, shut up, calm down, and listen to the One who has things under control. I think I'll try that, but I'm curious...how do you deal with the "I love you, you're perfect, now change" mentality that we live with? I know I can't be the only one affected by this.

1 comment:

Mer said...

I find that this message comes most often from my own mind. I am learning that perfectionism is what stands in the way of progress. I've been doing FlyLady lately - and she has this figured out. She encourages doing something for 15 minutes - instead of using that same time to talk yourself out of it, or convince yourself you don't have the tools or the time.

For me, this goes hand in hand with what God is doing in me right now. He is teaching me that His love is not dependent on me being perfect, or even good. It is simply a gift. And if I was wise, I would try to see myself as He sees me. So gently and full of grace.

Not sure if this helps at all...